[Introduced February 13, 2013; referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary then Finance.]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, relating to
absentee ballot fraud and providing felony criminal penalties. Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §3-9-14, to read as
follows:ARTICLE 9. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.§3-9-14. Absentee ballot fraud; intimidation of voters; penalties.
__Any person who, with the intent to commit fraud, obtains,
removes, completes or disseminates an absentee ballot or
intimidates an absentee voter, is guilty of a felony and, upon
conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $10,000 nor more
than $20,000 or imprisoned in a state correctional facility not
less than one nor more than five years, or both fined and
imprisoned.
__For the purposes of this section, each ballot obtained is a
separate offense.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide that absentee
ballot fraud is a felony.